Over the years we have received calls from Clients who recently had wood burning stoves installed. The flues were projecting through existing walls. The manufacturers of these stoves have guidelines on clearance distances between these flues and any combustible material. On one of the fires we acted on, the flues went through an existing stud wall and the flue was too close to a stud and hence the fire. In another situation a flue was installed into a wall with a plywood backing behind the plasterboard and the backing went on fire. The picture attached shows where the plywood went on fire. Luckily this fire was noticed early on and the fire brigade was able to contain it. Insurance companies may in these situations seek a recovery from the builder who installed the flue.
If you have damage as a result of a flue fire, have it professionally assessed. In Property Claims Loss Assessors Ltd we are Engineers and Building Surveyors with over 20 years’ experience. Knowing where smoke can go eg electrical boxes and conduits, behind skirting boards etc and how to professionally clean everything is always a normal part of our assessment. We always advise clients after a fire to never start repairs until all the smoke damage is cleaned and certified. In addition to fire damage we also cover damage from pipe leaks, storm, flood, subsidence, break-ins, etc. Our first survey is free and we are a ‘no win no fee’ company.
Call us:
ROI: Land 01 5620082 Mob 087 6165435
NI: Land 028 95212991 Mob 077 95374150
Web www.pcla.ie Email info@pcla.ie
